Dennis Eugene Griffin was born on October 25, 1933, in Pender, Nebraska to Floyd and Dora (Hulsebusch) Griffin, passed away early in the morning on August 3, 2025, at Accura Healthcare of Ames.

His early childhood days were spent in Pender, NE and he later moved to Texas where his father was training B52 pilots. The family returned to Nebraska, living in Omaha and then returning to Pender.

Denny graduated from Pender High School and was a typesetter for the Pender Times Paper. He married Karen Ostrand on June 2, 1956, at ST Paul Lutheran in Bancroft, NE. Denny enlisted with the United States Air Force and was transferred to Madrid, Spain. Karen joined him there for two years of wonderful experiences.

After returning from Spain, they moved to Omaha where three children were born.

The next move was to Ames, Iowa, the best place ever to work, raise a family, join a church, be an Iowa State fan, and make very special friends.

Denny enjoyed traveling but not to high places. He would freeze when he looked down. It was a surprise when he wanted to do a hot air ballon ride. He did the ride and Karen got to ride a Camel!

He enjoyed friends and Sunday suppers was a tradition even during COVID. Denney was blessed with 4 grandsons. Two came from Minnesota to attend IA College near grandpa Connor attended Drake and we learned the frat world, I have no idea when he studied!

Piere used an extension cord for teaching and is an Iowa State University Electrical Engineering grad, grandpa enjoyed him being in Ames. Miles lead us to college baseball spring training in Florida and Arizona. Bradley kept us saying lots of prayers as he traveled the world snowboarding and filming. He is getting a degree now. Connor gave us two adorable great-grands, Roman and Margot. Miles has a sweet baby girl Emma.

Denny liked everyone if they were a customer, someone walking by the garage or sitting in the church lobby chairs.

Memorials may be directed to Ames Food Pantry or Animal Control.

Dennis is survived by his wife of 59 years, Karen, son Kevin of Pender, NE daughters: Brenda of Chanhassen, MN, Paula (Rich) of Eden Prairie, MN, grandsons: Conner of Minneapolis, MN, Bradly of Minneapolis, MN, Miles of Dayton, MN, and Pierce of Kansas City, MO, three great-grandchildren, Roman, Margot, Emma, and grieving dog Annie.

A visitation will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025 at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care (414 Lincoln Way, Ames, Iowa 50010) from 4:00 till 6:00 p.m. with a memorial service held on Saturday, August 16, at St. Paul Lutheran Church ( 610 15th St, Ames, IA 50010) at 11:00 a.m. with a burial to follow at Ames Municipal Cemetery.

Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com